Laura Ampersand

Laura Ampersand is the project of songwriter, composer, and pianist Laura Ryder, from Co. Mayo. Blending classical influences with alternative pop sensibilities, her work moves between intimate, piano-led songwriting and expansive, full-band arrangements.

Drawing inspiration from artists such as Fiona Apple, Regina Spektor, Ben Folds, and Joanna Newsom, Laura crafts songs that are both musically intricate and lyrically sharp - exploring emotional complexity with a distinctive voice. Raised on a broad palette of influences spanning ELO, Jonathan Richman, classical composers, and film scores, she developed an early connection to both melody and storytelling, beginning to write and compose as a teenager. Alongside her songwriting, Laura works as a composer for video games and documentaries, further shaping her cinematic approach to arrangement and atmosphere.

She has built a strong live reputation, after a sold-out double-headliner tour alongside Lōwli earlier in 2026, as well as previously supporting acts including BC Camplight, Síomha, and Last Apollo, and performing at festivals such as Other Voices, Body & Soul, Electric Picnic, and Knockanstockan.

Following the release of “24” and “Remember”, which saw her land coverage with RTE Entertainment, RTE Radio 1, Today FM, Radio Nova, Hot Press and many more, Laura Ampersand continues to establish herself as a compelling new voice in Ireland’s alternative music scene.

"Chamber pop at its finest" - Cathal Murray, RTÉ 1

“24 is a convergence between classical music and heavy rock. It opens with echoey, distorted vocals that quickly give way to the singer's powerful, theatre-like voice.” - Hotpress

"24 is pure chaos wrapped in melody. The track contains sweeping string lines, a restless piano-led band, and lyrics that dart between astrophysics and anxious attachment styles." - The Beat

"a bold baroque-pop track that blends sweeping strings, lively piano and sharp-edged lyrics. . . With 24, Laura Ampersand continues to show her playful approach to songwriting, mixing classical influence with a modern pop edge." - Chris Thompson, Pure M

"Middle comes across like folk, but a composition that has all the grandeur you'd expect of a work that has been thought through to the last detail.. .This is liberating stuff, like the singer has thrown all the potential shackles to the kerb and just gone with her gut, so we were always set for a bit of a rollercoaster." Mp3Hugger

"As we discover the chamber-pop universe created by Irish creative Laura Ampersand, we are reminded of how much warmth and reassurance music can offer, if done well and from a place of artistic authenticity. ‘Middle’ is the perfect evidence of that. " Gabriel Mazza, Mesmerized